Gaza: Trump warns of “all hell to pay” if hostages not freed

US president elect Donald Trump has warned there will be “all hell to pay” if the Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are not released before he is inaugurated in January, according to Reuters.

Trump said on social media: “If the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity.”

“Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied History of the United States of America,” he said.

For anyone wondering how fervent Trump’s support for Israel will be in the White House, this is the clearest proof since his election of a stalwart commitment to Israel and its wars in the Middle East.

Around 50 hostages are still believed to be alive somewhere in Gaza, and Israeli Prime Minister has said the conflict will continue until Hamas is wiped out, a line Trump is likely to take.

Reuters